4 qualities of the heart that God wants

In the Bible we often come across the need to cultivate a heart that God finds pleasing. “The Lord does not look at the things people look at...  the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)We read that David was a man after Gods own heart. What does it really mean? What kind of heart does God want? What did God see in David? I took a look at various verses in the Bible that refer to matters of the heart?  

1) Remains Loyal or Steadfast: The dictionary says someone who is steadfast is loyal,  shows firm determination or resolution, and is not easily shaken. In Psalms 57: 7, the Psalmist says "My heart is steadfast oh god. My heart is steadfast. I’ll sing and make melody." So you need to be steady in your decision to do what's right, what God wants irrespective of how your situation and circumstances change.  1 Kings‬ ‭11:4‬ ‭ESV‬‬ “For when Solomon was old his wives turned away his heart after other gods, and his heart was not wholly true to the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father.”


 2) Is Wise: I've tried hard to understand what the Bible means when it says be Wise. Isn't it a gift from God, King Solomon being a case in point? Talking about King Solomon probably his definition of Wisdom is the most appropriate. The fear of the Lord and the knowledge of the holy. Dictionary says a wise man is someone who shows good judgement. So you are wise if you decide to follow the ways of God. Proverbs 23:15“My son, if your heart is wise, my heart too will be glad.” (ESV‬‬) or Eccelesiastes 10:2 “A wise man's heart inclines him to the right, but a fool's heart to the left.” ESV‬‬

3) Seeks Harmony and Peace:  This is probably the easiest to understand and do. Proverbs 6: 14 “perverted heart devises evil, continually sowing discord" ESV‬‬. Stop doing that and you are one step closer to what God wants of you. Pretty easy to do if you ask me unless the Devil is in control of your heart. 

 4) Practices Humility: Bible specifically says God hates a proud heart. A proud heart is often seen as the reasons for the downfall of many. After all pride goeth before a fall. In this case I assume the word "proud" refers to someone who is unwilling to bend to what God wants and instead places their own individual capabilities above the favor of the Lord. Personally, I depend on the power of prayer to complete even the smallest tasks. Sometimes I wish I could just be 100% sure of my own capabilities but over time I've realized that while your efforts are very important it's the Lord that ensures good results. It's not in your hands. Prayer amplifies the results manifold and gives your outcomes you hadn't thought possible. Deutronomy 10:16 circumsize therefore the FOREskin of your heart and BE NO longer stubborn or Job 36:13 the godless in heart cherish anger; they do not cry for help when he binds them.
Psalms‬ ‭35:25-26‬ ‭ESV‬‬: “Let them not say in their hearts, "Aha, our heart's desire!" Let them not say, "We have swallowed him up." ‭‭
Ezekiel‬ ‭28:5-7‬ ‭ESV‬ “by your great wisdom in your trade you have increased your wealth, and your heart has become proud in your wealth— Because you make your heart like the heart of a god, therefore, behold, I will bring foreigners upon you, the most ruthless of the nations; and they shall draw their swords against the beauty of your wisdom and defile your splendor.”
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